Thursday, January 15, 2009

Hoops on TV Week: Jan. 15-21

OK, we've got a new weekly feature here on The Painted Area called Hoops on TV Week - each week we'll have a look at highlights of the next seven days of basketball on TV.

We'll post heading into the weekend on Thursdays, and we'll be coming at it from the perspective of an NBA fan for the most part - college/high-school listings will focus on top prospects, as well as the biggest games. Suggestions are welcome.

All times Eastern. Our first week is a big one:

THURSDAY, JAN. 155 p.m.: NCAA - Virginia vs. North Carolina (1984), ESPN ClassicAnytime they show Jordan in college, it makes the list. First of three times this week.

8 p.m.: NBA - Suns vs. Celtics (1976 NBA Finals, Game 5), NBA TV3-OT classic is considered the greatest game in NBA history by many. It's followed by an NBA's Greatest Games program about the game and a Vintage NBA episode about John Havlicek.

9 p.m.: H.S. - LeFlore (Ala.) vs. South Atlanta (Ga.), ESPN2Two of the top 5 prospects in the class of 2009, DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors (who just committed to Georgia Tech).

6 p.m.: NCAA - Duke vs. North Carolina (1984 ACC Tournament), ESPN ClassicMore Jordan at UNC. Actually a true classic of the rivalry, as Coach K was attempting to establish himself in his second season, against the no. 1-ranked Tar Heels.

MONDAY, JAN. 1910 a.m.: H.S. - Putnam City (Okla.) vs. St. Anthony's (N.J.), ESPNUOne of the top prospects in the country, Xavier Henry (Memphis), goes against perennial power St. Anthony's and a very good prospect in Dominic Cheek (Villanova).